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May 2019

A report from the University of Michigan Institute for Research on Labor, Employment, and the Economy found that privatization of prison food services led to an increase in inmate theft, trafficking, and gang activity.

“This is public service at its finest. These frontline workers are travelling away from their homes and their families, potentially putting themselves in harm’s way, in order to help others in their time of need." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

"Telus can afford double digit increases in executive compensation and a multi-year dividend growth program for shareholders, but they say they can't afford a modest wage increase for the workers who provide that profit?" — Paul Finch, BCGEU Treasurer

Ottawa (17 May 2019) In its weekly newsletter, Canadians for Tax Fairness has reported that, according to the Auditor General of Canada, Canadian businesses are at an "unfair disadvantage" because the tax system has not kept pace with the digital economy. While Canadian companies are required to collect and remit sales tax on top of income tax, foreign e-commerce corporations such as Netflix and Facebook are not.

"Forcing women to give birth without their consent is akin to indentured servitude. These laws have the ability to turn women into involuntary birthing vessels. This attack on women violates our fundamental right to life, libery and security of the person." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

"Ontario spends far less per person on public services than any other province and that is partly because individuals and businesses in Ontario pay less income and corporate tax." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“The dedication, courage, and professionalism exhibited by these frontline workers deserves our full respect. We are very pleased to see these devoted members recognized for the vital role they play in public safety." — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President

“It’s strange that on the one hand, the government is asking MLL to generate more profit, while on the other hand taking away the corporation’s ability to do that by sending more profit to private retailers."— Michelle Gawrornsky, MGEU President

"By creating this fund, the union is playing an active role in the continued development of skills and tools members need to meet the changing and challenging practice of psychiatric nursing." — Val Avery, HSABC President

"This attempt to block much-needed reform to a sector in crisis and to better support home support workers is appalling. We realize the business interests of the BCCPA will be affected by this change, but it's time to put the well-being of people over profit and address the damage resulting from almost 20 years of privatization and underfunding in the sector." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President

HSABC/NUPGE sees these as long-overdue reforms and welcomes the news to see the government take these first steps to restoring balance and fairness for working people. While these reforms do not cover everything — this is only the start — HSABC/NUPGE will continue to advocate for more changes going forward.

“I’ve yet to come across a poll in which Ontarians say Doug Ford is headed in the right direction. Polls may be just a snapshot, but there are enough snapshots of unhappy Ontarians to fill a photo album.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“These members care deeply about helping support seniors who are facing homelessness, and now they’ve got one of the province’s biggest and most powerful unions to help them do their valuable work." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President